Makeup pro Kabuki for MAC Cosmetics was the mastermind behind the gorgeous face at Zac Posen’s Fall 2015 show. The artist is known for his meticulous attention to detail, so getting to talk all things makeup in the midst of a hectic backstage area (in Grand Central Station, no less) was a treat. “A lot of attention was paid when contouring the skin in a nude, perfected way: nuding out lips, filling in brows, and emphasizing bone structure,” he explained as he carefully highlighted Daiane Conterato’s cheekbones.

After a contouring session, it was all about eyes. “The highlight of the look is the metallic eyeliner which gives it a ping of glamour. When you don’t overdo it, the metallic color can be really beautiful and elegant when the light dances off of it,” he expressed. After testing out a handful of metallic colors with the runway lights, the makeup master settled on copper, silver and gold shades to use on models, based on skin tone. “Zac always works with a diverse group of models, which is great, and it was about making sure the eyeliner was consistent throughout.”

For hair, Odile Gilbert for Moroccanoil created a red carpet-worthy style. “It was all about glamour, so we did waves using a curling iron and then brushed them out for movement, but kept hair at the top flat,” she explained. Hair was parted to the side for a refined look and was tucked behind the ears. The sleekness and high-shine finish made the cascading waves look completely effortless.

Adrianna Barrionuevo is a south Florida native with a soft spot for Orange County, California, where she spent her college years. Adrianna comes from Lucky and worked at Too Faced Cosmetics during her OC days. She loves quoting and rewatching episodes of Breaking Bad, collecting Manolo Blahniks and reading celebrity gossip. She’s also in the running to be the #1 Beyonce fan in the office. (She’s winning.)